Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2023- DROP OFF LOCATIONS

The holiday season is here! Dropping off your Christmas tree at a collection site is a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

Many communities in San Diego County have options for curbside Christmas tree recycling. Read this article HERE for curbside hauling instructions.

Still not sure where to take your Christmas tree for recycling after reviewing this list? Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more options, or call I Love a Clean San Diego’s hotline for help from a live attendant Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Incorporated County Residents, please call 1-800-237-BLUE

Unincorporated County Residents, please call 1-877-R-1-EARTH

Drop Off Locations by City

COUNTYWIDE 

Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

Community

Dates Available

Drop Off Address

Bonsall

December 26 2023 – January 5 2024 River Village – Northwest parking lot
5256 Mission Road
Bonsall, CA 92003

Carlsbad

Dec 26 2023 – Jan 14 2024
  • Calaveras Park
    2997 Glasgow Dr
    Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Poinsettia Park
    6600 Hidden Valley Rd
    Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Stagecoach Park
    3420 Camino del los Coches
    Carlsbad, CA 92009
  • City of Carlsbad Fire Station I
    1275 Carlsbad Village Dr.
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Palomar Transfer Station
    5960 El Camino Real
    Carlsbad, CA 92008

Coronado

December 26 2023 – January 14 2024
  • Glorietta Bay Park – boat ramp parking lot
    1975 Strand Way
    Coronado, CA 92118
  • Cays Park- Parking lot off across from Fire Station
    99 Grand Caribe Isle
    Coronado, CA 92118

Del Mar

Dec 26 2023 – Jan 19 2024 Del Mar Public Works
2240 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, CA 92014

El Cajon

December 26 2023 – January 15 2024
  • Wells Park
    1153 E Madison Ave.
    El Cajon, CA 92021
  • Public Works Operations Yard
    1050 Vernon Way
    El Cajon, CA 92020
Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

Escondido

December 26 2023 – January 5 2024
  • Kit Carson Park– south entrance, first parking lot on the right, across front the adult softball complex
    3333 Bear Valley Parkway
    Escondido, CA 92025
  • Jesmond Dene Park– parking lot next to the ball fields
    2401 N Broadway
    Escondido, CA 92026

Imperial Beach

December 26 2023 -January 27 2024
  • Imperial Beach Public Works
    495 10th St.
    Imperial Beach, CA 91932
  • Boys and Girls Club
    847 Encina Ave
    Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

La Mesa

December 26 2023 – January 14 2024

 

EDCO Station 
8184 Commercial Street
La Mesa, CA 91942
Hours:
Mon -Fri 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sat 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sun 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lemon Grove

December 26 2023 – January 14 2024  

Treganza Heritage Park – formerly Civic Center Park
3200 Main Street
Lemon Grove, 91945

Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

National City

December 26 2023 – January 12 2024 Las Palmas Park – Pool Parking Lot
1800 E 22nd St.
National City, CA 91950

Otay Mesa

January 1 2024 – January 31 2024 Otay Mesa Compost Facility
434 Alta Road
San Diego, CA 92154
Mon-Fri: 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.To qualify for free drop off, Christmas trees must:• come from personal residences/non-commercial sources.
• be free of ornaments, stands, flocking and netting.
• No artificial trees accepted

Oceanside

January 1 2024 – January 31 2024 El Corazon Compost Facility
3210 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside, CA 920567:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Saturday
Closed SundayTo qualify for free drop off, Christmas trees must:• come from personal residences/non-commercial sources.
• be free of ornaments, stands, flocking and netting.
• No artificial trees accepted

https://agriserviceinc.com

Ramona

Dec 29th 2023 – January 2nd, and Jan 5-8 2024  

Ramona High School
1401 Hanson Street, Ramona, 92065

The Village Shopping Center in SD Country Estates
23658 San Vicente Rd
Ramona, CA 92065

8AM-3PM

No Flocked Trees

San Marcos

December 26 2023 – January 5 2024 Senior Center
111 Richmar Ave
San Marcos, CA 92069

San Pasqual Valley

December 26th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024 San Pasqual Valley Soils
16111 Old Milky Way,
Escondido, California 92027(760) 746-4769
www.spvsoils.comHours of operation:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

No flocked or artificial trees accepted.

Santee

December 26th 2023 – January 9th 2024 Waste Management Recycle Center
925 O’Connor Street,
El Cajon, CA 92020Open 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.Republic Customers may also take trees to Sycamore Landfill
8514 Mast Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071
Monday- Friday 8:00 am- 3:00 pm
January 8- 19, 2024Please bring proof of bill (electronic or paper accepted)

Solana Beach

December 26th 2023- January 5, 2024
  • La Colonia County Park
    715 Valley Ave
    Solana Beach, CA 92075
  • Solana Beach City Hall
    635 S. Highway 101
    Solana Beach, CA 92075

Valley Center

December 26 2023 – January 5 2024 Valley Center Elementary School
Lower parking lot
28751 Cole Grad Road
Valley Center, CA 92082

Vista

 December 26, 2023 – January 5, 2024
  • Public lot on Vale Terrace Drive at Williamston, located across the street from Vista Community
    1000 Vale Terrace Drive
    Vista, CA 92084
  • Parking lot on the corner of S. Melrose Drive & Shadowridge Drive
    Vista, CA 92081

CITY OF SAN DIEGO Drop Off Locations

Community

Dates Available

Drop-off Address

Carmel Valley

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Carmel Valley Recreation Center
3777 Townsgate Dr. (lower parking lot)

Encanto

Dec 26 2023 – January 23, 2024 Cielo Drive at Woodman Street

Golden Hill

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Golden Hill Recreation Center
2600 Golf Course Dr.

Pacific Beach

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Kate Sessions Memorial Park, corner of Mt. Soledad Road and Loring Street

Logan Heights

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Memorial Recreation Center
2902 Marcy Ave.

Miramar

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 The Greenery at the Miramar Landfill
5180 Convoy St. (north of state Route 52)

Mission Bay

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Seaworld Drive at Pacific Highway

Mountain View

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Ocean View Blvd. @ 40th St. (north side)

Oak Park

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Chollas Lake
6350 College Grove Drive (in Gloria’s Mesa parking lot)

Ocean Beach

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Robb Field Recreation Center
2525 Bacon St.

Otay Mesa / Nestor

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024
Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard)

Rancho Bernando

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Dr.

Rancho Penasquitos

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Canyonside Recreation Center,
12350 Black Mountain Rd.

San Diego State University

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Parking Lot 17 off of Alvarado Rd.

Scripps Ranch

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Scripps Ranch Recreation Center
11454 Blue Cypress Dr.

Tierrasanta

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Tierrasanta Community Park (Pool Parking Lot)
11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd

University City

Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Standley Community Park (Parking Lot)

3585 Governor Drive

Construction occurring at site, drop off site will remain active during construction hours

 

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2023 – CURBSIDE HAULING

The holiday season is here! Many communities in San Diego County have options for Christmas tree recycling at your curbside collection and is a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

Drop-off locations by community can be found here.

Still not sure where to take your Christmas tree for recycling after reviewing this list? Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more options or call I Love a Clean San Diego’s hotline for help from a live attendant Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Incorporated County Residents, please call 1-800-237-BLUE

Unincorporated County Residents, please call 1-877-R-1-EARTH

Curbside Hauling Instructions by City

NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad and Republic Services are offering free, curbside pickup for holiday trees Dec. 26, 2023 to Jan. 14, 2024
  • Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.
  • Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half and placed inside of or next to your green waste cart.
  • When possible, residents are asked to cut down the tree so that it fits inside the green waste cart with the lid closed for collection.
  • Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and must be disposed of through regular trash service. These trees must fit into the trash cart with the lid closed for collection.
Republic Services
(760) 332-6464

Del Mar

Year-round
  • Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.
  • Trees taller than 4 feet must be cut in half and placed next to your green waste cart.
  • When possible, residents are asked to cut down the tree so that it fits inside the green waste cart with the lid closed for collection.
  • Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and must be disposed of through regular trash service. These trees must fit into the trash cart with the lid closed for collection.
EDCO Disposal (619) 287-7555

Escondido

Year-round
  • No tinsel or ornaments
  • No nails
  • No tree stands
  • Cut tree to fit inside green organics cart on your regular trash collection date.
  • Flocked trees are not accepted
Escondido Disposal (760) 745-3203

Encinitas

Year-round
  •  Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • No flocked trees in green organics cart, flocked and artificial trees should go into landfill bin
EDCO (760) 744-2700

Oceanside

For Oceanside residents, holiday trees are collected curbside for three weeks after Christmas, until January 12 on customer’s scheduled collection day.
  • All decorations should be removed, including tree stands and lights
  • Trees should be cut in half and placed in the green organics cart with lid closed, or can be set curbside next to the green waste cart.
  • For trees placed curbside, a separate vehicle from the green waste cart collection truck will be picking up the trees on curbside services collection day.
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable, and must be placed in landfill cart with lid closed or may be collected curbside next to the landfill cart. If artificial trees have lights that are not removable, they must be recycled with  E-waste.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

Solana Beach

Year-round
  • Cut tree in pieces 4-ft or smaller and put in green organics cart
EDCO
(858) 350-8544

Poway

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Trees over four feet should be cut in half
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • No flocked trees are accepted
  • Artificial trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
EDCO
(760) 201-1578

Ramona

Year-round
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches.
  • Place tree inside green organics cart for collection on your service day.
  • No flocked trees.
Ramona Disposal
(760) 789-0516

San Marcos

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Vista

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Trees over four feet should be cut in half
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
EDCO
(760) 727-1600

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

 

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

Year-round
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches.
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand.
  • Place tree inside green organics cart for collection on your service day. No flocked trees.
Ramona Disposal
(760) 789-0516

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

Year-round
  • Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands.
  • Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*).
  • Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.
Republic Services
(619) 421-9400.

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
EDCO
(760) 744-2700
or
Fallbrook Refuse

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day.

If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.

  • Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.
  • Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half and placed inside WM organics cart.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Dates

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Coronado

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

City of San Diego

Residents can use their City-provided curbside green bin to recycle their Christmas trees. Trees should be cut to fit into their green bin for pickup on collection day.
  • Both green and flocked trees (fake snow) are accepted.
  • Trees over 4-ft in length should be cut in half.
  • For Greenery, curbside, and drop-off sites, all tree stands, bags, netting, lights, ornaments, tinsel, and other tree decorations must be removed.
  • No artificial trees.
  • Please do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off locations.
Environmental Service Department
(858) 694-7000

EAST COUNTY SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

El Cajon

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and the tree stand.
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches, then place in green organics cart with the lid closed.
  • No flocked trees
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

La Mesa

Year-round  

  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green waste cart with the lid closed
  • No flocked trees in green organics cart
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Lemon Grove

Year-round  

  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Santee

December 26th, 2023 – January 9th, 2024 during regularly scheduled collection day
  • Residents can recycle their Christmas trees by placing the trees in their yard waste bins on their regular pick-up day.
  • Trees must be cut into maximum 4-ft sections and must fit into the green yard waste container.
  • Ornaments, tinsel and tree stands must be removed before being recycled.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, but will be collected if cut into 4-ft sections and placed into the regular trash bin.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

Unincorporated San Diego County (including Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day.

If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.

  • Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half.
  • Please remove all decoration including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands and place in WM Organics cart.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

Unincorporated San Diego County (including Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

Year-round
  • Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands.
  • Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*). Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. *If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.
Republic Services
(619) 421-9400

Unincorporated San Diego County (including Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

SOUTH BAY SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Chula Vista

Year-round
  • Place tree at the curb on your regular collection day. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland and plastic or metal stands.
  • When possible, cut tree into four-foot sections. Plastic trees are NOT recyclable and must be disposed of as trash!
  • Apartment and condominium residents please contact your manager or HOA.
  • Residents of single-family homes, please place tree at the curb on your regular collection day. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland and plastic or metal stands.
  • When possible, cut tree into four-foot sections.
  • Flocked and plastic trees are NOT recyclable and must be disposed of as trash!
  • Residents with any questions can call 619-691-5122 or email EnvironmentalServices@chulavistaca.gov
Republic Services
(800) 421-9401

Imperial Beach

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

National City

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day.

If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.

 

  • Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half.
    Please remove all decoration including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands and place in WM organics carts.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.
Waste Management

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

Year-round
  • Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands. Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*).
  • Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. *If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.
  • For more information, all customers can contact Republic Services Customer Service at 619-421-9400.
Republic Services

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
EDCO

Contact your waste hauler to confirm collection dates and instructions.